It builds a connection between generations that you won’t find in textbooks. To our knowledge, this is the only Honor Flight chapter in the nation that uses student guardians, and it truly helps younger generations understand the meaning of service and sacrifice. Personal Connection: Russ’s Perspective As a veteran yourself, what does it mean to see Lyon County State Bank supporting events like Freedom Fest? It makes me proud, humbled, and appreciative. I’m proud to be part of a bank that honors me and so many other veterans — with the Veteran Banner Program, Challenge Coins, the Thank You for Your Service Billboard and even patriotic tote bags we give out. LCSB’s financial support for Freedom Fest, The Wall That Heals and the Honor Flight Program really stand out. I’ve also personally been on the Honor Flight — and it was an incredible, emotional experience. What goes through your mind during Freedom Fest, seeing the community and veterans come together in honor and celebration? Pride. Gratitude. Reflection. You see the flags, the runners, the families gathered — and it’s emotional. There’s a shared appreciation for what veterans have done and what freedom really means. It’s a reminder of sacrifice and of how this community continues to honor it year after year. USS Saratoga (CV-60) caps belonging to Russ, honoring his time aboard the historic aircraft carrier and lifelong pride in his naval service. Russ reunited with his fellow veterans in Washington, D.C., on his honor flight. What was it like to live on an aircraft carrier that had around 5,000 sailors and over 90 assorted aircraft? I was stationed on the USS Saratoga aircraft carrier, which was over 1,063 feet long — more than three football fields placed end to end. When deployed, the ship carried a crew of about 5,000 sailors and Marines, along with more than 90 aircraft, including the F-14 Tomcat, A-6 Intruder and A-7 Corsair. Reveille was at 6:00 a.m., and taps were at midnight. I usually arrived at the office around 7:00 a.m. after breakfast and went to bed at taps. The ship was like a small city, complete with a barbershop, post office, convenience store, two chow halls, dental and medical offices, a surgical unit, library, weight room and a recreation office where you could check out items. Everyone on board had to be trained in firefighting, medical response, nuclear and biological defense, and damage control, among other areas. The sleeping conditions were rough — you slept in “coffin-like” steel racks with a two-inch mattress, a wool blanket, a pillow and a sheet. Each rack had a small reading light and a curtain for privacy. All of your clothing, food, books and personal items had to fit in a two-by-two-foot storage locker. My berthing area housed about 40 sailors, but some places had hundreds. It was challenging to sleep with constant shift Russ stands beside his veteran banner, displayed by Lyon County State Bank in Emporia to honor his service in the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. Hi-Noon Emporia Kiwanis Club (2002–2003) As President of the Hi-Noon Emporia Kiwanis Club, Russ exemplified a spirit of service and leadership, continuing his long-standing commitment to strengthening the Emporia community. 23
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